The World Cup will be here sooner than you think–it’s scheduled to start in late November and run through mid-December. So, who are the players you should be watching as the world’s premiere soccer competition draws near? Today, we’re breaking down some of the most noteworthy players who will likely take to the pitch in the world’s biggest celebration of soccer.
Thirty-two teams will duke it out in the World Cup, and each will be able to submit only 26 players for their squad. The teams have until November 13 to submit their rosters, so now is the time to watch some of the best players in the world vie for a chance to take the field in the biggest soccer tournament on the planet.
England’s Players to Watch
England has a handful of electric players to watch this year. Ivan Toney, for instance, is a solid pick to play as the backup forward to superstar Harry Kane, and many fans have called Toney one of the team’s secret weapons. Notably, Toney is the first Brentford player to be called to the English national team since Les Smith in 1939.
Ben Chilwell is also back on the English team after a brutal knee injury last November took him out of commission. The Chelsea fullback is considered one of the most impressive players on Chelsea’s roster, so expect to see him on the field when the World Cup starts.
The US Grapples with Injury
The US’s national team is looking injured going into the World Cup. Sadly, star players like Yunus Musah, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Chris Richards, and Antonee Robinson are missing out on friendly matches against Japan and Saudi Arabia as they recover from various injuries. The team is now looking to its newer additions for support.
Ricardo Pepi is a player to watch for the US. While he hasn’t scored a goal for the US in 11 months, he’s still a powerful player who can bring an offense together. His presence on the pitch exudes pressure on the defense, and he’s always dangerous when he has possession.
Brazil
You can’t talk about World Cup soccer without talking about Brazil. It should come as no surprise that Brazil’s star striker, the mononymous Pedro, is the man to watch. His unrelenting offensive capabilities make him a key piece of Brazil’s lineup this year.
Likewise, keep an eye on Alex Telles and Renan Lodi in this contest. Both are likely to make the national team, and they’ll provide much-needed support for Pedro as he angles for those stunning goals he’s known for scoring.